Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Obama: "Make your voice heard"

automat --

Monday night, President Obama addressed the nation because it's time for Congress to come together and vote to ensure that America can meet its financial obligations.

This is something that every President has asked lawmakers to do when necessary, and up until now, Congress has always acted. It's necessary because lawmakers have already voted for this spending, but haven't yet authorized the President to pay those bills. And if we can't reach a solution, the United States may default on its debts. That outcome is unacceptable.

There is a disagreement for one reason: The President has proposed a balanced approach that pairs an increase in the debt ceiling with responsible steps to reduce our country's long-term deficit, but a core group of Republicans is refusing to accept any form of compromise that might force millionaires and billionaires and oil companies and corporate jet owners to pay their fair share.

Time is running out. We have less than one week to prevent our nation's first default on its obligations in history, and that's why President Obama ended his speech by asking all of us to get involved. Speaker Boehner has heard from the President on this issue, but he hasn't heard from you.

Right now, there are lawmakers from both parties who understand what's at stake if we fail to reach an agreement. But there are some who are more interested in petty partisanship than genuine solutions to our nation's problems -- and they have brought us to the edge of disaster.

As the President spoke, he said this:

"The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn't vote for a dysfunctional government. So I'm asking you all to make your voice heard... If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message."

And since then, we've been hearing reports about a flood of calls to the Capitol -- that have at times overwhelmed the Congressional phone and email systems.

You should be a part of this effort. Call Speaker Boehner now and keep trying until you speak to his office:

202-225-0600

When you get through to the Speaker, tell him to put politics aside and make a deal to raise the debt ceiling before August 2nd.

Thank you for all you do,

Patrick

Patrick Gaspard Executive Director Democratic National Committee

P.S. -- Once you've spoken to Speaker Boehner's office, let us know what you hear: